US President Barack Obama (R) and President of the Philippines Benigno Aquino shake hands after a meeting in Washington, DC. The United States and the Philippines called for freedom of navigation in the tense South China Sea as the White House offered a robust show of support for President Benigno Aquino

US President Barack Obama (R) and President of the Philippines Benigno Aquino shake hands after a meeting in Washington, DC. The United States and the Philippines called for freedom of navigation in the tense South China Sea as the White House offered a robust show of support for President Benigno Aquino